With Texas' help, Kansas company moving to The Woodlands

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks during the opening session of the 82nd...

The state has agreed to give a Kansas company $1.3 million to relocate to The Woodlands.

Mission Woods, Kan.-based Layne Christensen Co. said Thursday it will move its headquarters and bring more than 100 jobs to the master-planned community north of Houston next year. Over the next five years, it expects to have 210 employees at the new location. The company plans to make a $6.7 million investment in the move.

The state incentive will be granted through the Texas Enterprise Fund, used to draw businesses to Texas. The agreement is contingent upon local incentives, the governor's office said.

"The Lone Star State continues to fuel the nation, providing the oil and gas products that keep America running and the job creation that has helped strengthen our economy," Gov. Rick Perry said in a statement.

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Layne plans to occupy about 50,000 square feet in a new building in Hughes Landing, a 66-acre real estate development planned for the east shore of Lake Woodlands.

Layne also looked on the west side of town, the Galleria area and in Greenspoint.

"We found The Woodlands to be the most attractive for the business and what we're trying to create," said Frank LaRosa, senior vice president and chief administrative officer.

The moves will involve most of Layne's leadership positions, as well as other managers and staff. Most senior executives from Layne's six divisions ultimately will come to the new headquarters.

Layne, which provides services to the water, mineral and energy industries, has about 5,000 employees worldwide.

"Houston provides enhanced access to some of the nation's leading energy companies, an important consideration as we build our total water management solutions for the oil and gas industry," President and CEO Rene Robichaud said in a statement.